KZN Police Arrest Hitman Linked to Triple Murder on R102 Road
A 38-year-old hitman behind a gruesome murder of three people has been arrested in KwaZulu-Natal, bringing a major breakthrough to a case that shocked residents of Umthwalume.
The arrest was made on Wednesday, 30 July 2025, at Nhlabankosi, following an intensive investigation by multiple police units.
Victims Ambushed on R102 Road
According to Crime in South Africa, the murder took place on 27 June 2024, when Sandile Mkhize (45), Xoliswa Mbhele (33), and Ndunduzo Duma (34) were ambushed by unknown gunmen while travelling along the R102 Road in Umthwalume.
Mkhize was reportedly returning from a court appearance when the assailants opened fire on the vehicle, killing all three occupants.
A bystander waiting at a nearby bus stop was also injured by a stray bullet and had to be rushed to hospital for medical treatment.
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Arrest Follows Months of Intensive Investigation
Police confirmed that the breakthrough came after detectives from Hibberdene SAPS and the Provincial Murder and Robbery Task Team received actionable intelligence on the suspect’s whereabouts. Officers from several specialized units—including the Ugu Tactical Response Team, eThekwini Infrastructure Task Team, and others—proceeded to Nhlabankosi, where they apprehended the suspect without incident.
Suspect Also Linked to Other Serious Crimes
In addition to the three murder charges, the suspect has also been successfully linked to multiple other cases, including:
- Attempted murder
- Armed robbery
- Stock theft
- Theft of a motor vehicle
- Unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition
Court Appearance Set for 1 August
Police have confirmed that the suspect will appear before the Umzumbe Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 1 August 2025, to face multiple charges.
Law enforcement has commended the efforts of all the teams involved and reiterated their commitment to dismantling violent crime networks operating in the province.